It used to be that if you built a car with a diesel engine with the intent of giving everyone space, it would have to be big. Big, as in a Mercedes-Benz 300SD Turbodiesel, that would only translate into one big point of reference: price. You could always pay less – such as for an Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, the diesel engine installed in the downsized General Motors B/C-Bodies were reconstituted versions of gasoline motors. They were extremely unreliable.

Since then, diesel engine technology has changed. The turbochargers are now intercooled and more reliable than never. Exhaust systems now emit lower emissions, thanks to “clean diesel” technology which includes using Urea fluid to cleanse the fluorocarbons before they escape the tailpipe.

It is appropriate that the latest Volkswagen Passat is put to the test. Though it competes in a hot market segment alongside other mid-sized family sedans, one would swear that it would compete with larger sedans due to its spacious cabin.

Yet, there is one particular feature on this Passat that would be interest to you – its TDI turbocharged diesel engine. This opens up many questions to consider. How to approach them is going to be tough. Should we consider the Passat alone by its merits? What about its diesel power? Or, can we simply take this car as a complete entity?

How about “all of the above?”

The Passat’s design has been a point of contention among brand enthusiasts. Some would have liked to have the current generation global Passat in its place, but Volkswagen had a plan. To regain the North American market, it had to be…well…”American.” This is a familiar tactic used by General Motors. What used to be an Opel Vectra became the Saturn L-Series. By doing so, they fleshed out the platform to accommodate American bodies and tune their suspensions for American roads. VW did exactly that tro this Passat – take the global platform, stretch it, made it simpler for American eyes to digest, though retaining familiar VW design tenets.

The result is a familiar Volkswagen that is purely big-boned. Though there are some familiar lines, creases and other design elements that point to the VW badge up front, the Passat does not elicit a level of excitement that engage brand enthusiasts. It is rather plain, but very functional. Wide opening doors and a huge trunk lid are two things you rarely find on other Volkswagens. If you had no history with the brand, and want to be anonymous, the Passat works in that fashion.

Step inside to a very spacious cabin. Front seat occupants have plenty of space to stretch out, unless you are tall and have the moonroof above you. Finding a suitable position behind the wheel will take some time, but you will find a competent p;lace to operate the big Passat. Seats are on the small side, which is perfect for averaged sized drivers. Rear seat passengers benefit from a comfortable bench and loads of rear seat room. One might argue that the rear seat is more comfortable than a Toyota Camry – the one car the Passat has ambitions to compete against.

Given the design leap on the current Golf and GTI, one would be disappointed by an older dashboard design and older switchgear on the Passat. However, it works very well. It helps to the advantage of Volkswagen owners to use familiar stalks for the wipers, cruise control and switches for the lights, climate control and so forth. There are some logic issues regarding the infotainment system. When starting up, there is a lag in Bluetooth connection and initial phone pairing is not as clean and easy it should be. The steering wheel seems too thin for being a VW. Yet, instrumentation is familiar and logical to work with.

If there are two positive points to the Passat’s cabin, it would be the Fender audio system and the gear selector for the DSG transmission. Fender’s nine speakers emit amazing tones throughout the cabin, aided by a subwoofer that layers in the bass perfectly. Also, the short throw of the DSG lever is something for the enthusiasts to enjoy. It makes you wish for a manual lever instead.

The DSG transmission is also well matched for the TDI diesel engine under the hood. This is actually the new 2.0liter version of the turbocharged diesel engine that has been the most desirable power source for Volkswagen. While it only has 150 horsepower on tap, it will be the 236 pound-feet of torque that will win you over. When you step on the accelerator, it pulls away just like a V6. Plus, it is quiet and clean. That old diesel clanging no longer exists, while exhaust emissions have been cut to meet a 50-state standard. Power goes to the front wheels through one of the better transmission choices on any VW – the DSG. It is a solid gearbox, however, it would actually be more fun if it had either a Sport mode and/or paddle shifters. Only a few mid-sized family sedans would say that it had a dual clutch transmission with true manual operation.

Recent Volkswagen are known for having a sporting feel. The Passat was designed to offer comfort for passengers above all else. This is cause for debate pitting enthusiasts against family sedan consumers. The driving experience of the Passat tells the tale of comfort above all, considering how smooth and supple the big VW rode. Not that it is a bad thing, but that depends on which kind of consumer you are. Clearly, enthusiasts will be put off by the supple roll and lean in the curves and the light steering system. There is an ample turning radius, but the light steering action actually will respond quite quick, despite being a bit disconnected.

Braking is very good. Stops are sharp and exact in nnormal and panic situations. This leads to the traction control system – something of a hit-and-miss with Volkswagen products. On the Passat, it works quite well to provide necessary traction to the right wheels. I would love tro see VW provide a suite of active safety features and possibly its 4Motion all-wheel drive system on its top trim of the Passat – if not all models.

When you drive a diesel, you expect high fuel economy and a long range on ultra-low sulfur fuel. The Passat TDI averaged 42.5MPG even in cold temperatures that would challenge fuel weight. There is no question that you will find the TDI powered Passat a great alternative against gasoline models.

The big Passat starts off with a basic S model with the 1.8liter TSI turbocharged engine starts at $22,120. My TDI powered SEL top range example came to $34,405. As high-end mid-sized family sedans reach further into premium sports compact sedan pricing territory, one could argue that the diesel engine alone is worth the price of admission. However, you can still get the same TDI driveline in the less expensive SE trim, starting at $26,825.

Why This Ride?

– The Volkswagen Passat represents the modern diesel big sedan. It also represents the only diesel fueled option among family mid-sized sedans. It all seems to come together as we find alternatives to the good ol’ gasoline fueled internal combustion engine. We could argue between hybrid drivelines, plug-in electric propulsion or diesel fuel, but it just seems fair and logical that diesel offers a longer fuel range, despite the higher price fueling up per pump.

– As for the Passat competing in a highly competitive and crowded field, Volkswagen brings a lot to the table. It has the cabin space and smooth ride to satisfy a lot of families and businessfolk. What it needs is more refinement to excel in this field. Perhaps in a mid-cycle refresh we could see some improvements in the Passat – starting with the infotainment system and the switchgear.

– It takes a good sedan to bring in the customers. The Passat has some of that equation down. The dealmaker has to be the TDI diesel. That alone should win family sedan consumers over.

Randy is a versatile freelancer with a resume of experiences related to blogging and automotive writing. His first published piece of automotive writing dates back to 2001 when commenting on subcultural stereotypes of auto ownership. Since then, his work has appeared on CarSoup.com’s Buyers Guide, Lavender Magazine in Minneapolis – St. Paul and on his own site – Victory & Reseda. You can find Randy trolling car meets in Minnesota and Wisconsin from Spring to Fall or covering auto shows and other related events professionally. He is a proud member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association.